Summary: This month’s JulieG Radio topic is extra special for me and it is a question I get often... Should I shoot while I am pregnant? Listen to the Show: The short answer? Consult with your doctor and your partner to make the right decision for you. You may just find that your doctor doesn't have much information on the matter and so for this episode I wanted to share links and resources I have found to be helpful when making my decision about when to stop shooting while expecting. There's also some good general information for shooters and especially those who have small children. There are three primary concerns when it comes to pregnant women spending time at the range and the first one really pertains to everyone who shoots. Lead Exposure All shooters should be aware of the dangers of lead exposure. Lead poisoning is tough to detect and people can even seem healthy. Here are some symptoms of lead poisoning. In adults: high blood pressure, decline in mental functioning, pain, numbness or tingling of the extremities, muscular weakness, headache, abdominal pain, memory loss, mood disorders and in men, reduced sperm count and/or abnormal sperm. In children: irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, sluggishness and fatigue, abdominal pain, vomiting, constipation and learning difficulties There are specific dangers for pregnant women and newborns. Pregnant women with lead poisoning can have miscarriages or premature births. Newborns and babies who are exposed to lead before birth may experience learning difficulties and slowed growth. When it comes to lead exposure, the government has stepped in to protect pregnant women in the work environment, unborn babies and young children in an attempt to prevent lead poisoning. In 1988 the government passed the Lead Contamination Control Act that authorized the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to initiate program <a title="Lead Contamination Control Act of 1988" href="http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/about/program.htm" target="_blank">efforts to eliminate childhood lead poisoning</a> in the United States. Other government agencies have also issued warnings about lead exposure. The <a title="EPA - Lead Exposure" href="http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/hip-lead.html" target="_blank">Environmental Protection Agency</a><a title="EPA - Lead Exposure" href="http://www.epa.gov/iaq/homes/hip-lead.html" target="_blank"> reports</a> how lead exposure can affect the fetus and young children. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has a <a title="OSHA Lead Standard" href="http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=STANDARDS&p_id=10033" target="_blank">Lead Standard</a> for the work place where physician recommendations for special protective measures or medical removal for an employee who is pregnant or who is planning to conceive are taken into account. The <a title="CDC - Lead and the Unborn Child" href="http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/lead/WorkerInfo.html" target="_blank">CDC warns</a> how lead can cross the placental barrier and how it can affect a developing baby and mom. Ways to reduce exposure to lead in every day life from the CDC: Avoid using and eating products that may contain lead. Avoid using containers, cookware, or tableware to store or cook foods or liquids that are not shown to be lead free. Remove recalled toys and toy jewelry immediately from children and check the CDC's <a href="http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/Recalls/default.htm">Lead Recalls</a> list. Use only cold water from the tap for drinking, cooking, and for making baby formula. Shower and change clothes after finishing a task that involves working with lead-based products such as stain glass work, bullet making, or using a firing range. Eat and/or drink in areas where lead or lead-containing products are not being handled or processed. Noise Exposure Another question that comes to mind for expecting moms is how will the noise from...
